Hirsutism minoxidil

Minoxidil Hirsutism, marked salt and water retention... 

Dihydralazine and minoxidil (via its sulfate-conjugated metabolite) dilate arterioles and are used in antihypertensive therapy. They are, however, unsuitable for monotherapy because of compensatory circulatory reflexes. The mechanism of action of dihydralazine is unclear. Minoxidil probably activates K channels, leading to hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cells. Particular adverse reactions are lupus erythematosus with dihydralazine and hirsutism with minoxidil—used topically for the treatment of baldness (alopecia androg-enetica). 

Tachycardia, palpitations, angina, and edema are observed when doses of B-blockers and diuretics are inadequate. Headache, sweating, and hirsutism, which is particularly bothersome in women, are relatively common. Minoxidil illustrates how one person s toxicity may become another person s therapy. Topical minoxidil (as Rogaine) is now used as a stimulant to hair growth for correction of baldness. 

Direct vasodilators frequently produce baroreflex-induced tachycardia, but rarely orthostatic hypotension. They are usually prescribed with a beta blocker or a centrally acting antihypertensive to minimize the reflex increase in heart rate and cardiac output. It should be noted that another member of the directly acting class of antihypertensives is minoxidil. This potent, long-acting drug has gained considerable notoriety for its use as a topical hair-restorer. Oral use can result in hirsutism (unwanted hair growth over the face as well as other parts of the body). 

Minoxidil is extremely efficacious and is thus reserved for severe hypertension. Minoxidil is a prodrug its metabolite, minoxidil sulfate, is a potassium channel opener that hyperpolarizes and relaxes vascular smooth muscle. The toxicity of minoxidil consists of severe compensatory responses (Table 11-2, Figure 11-2), hirsutism, and pericardial abnormalities. 

Minoxidil (Loniten) tt n Hypertension that has not been controlled by other drugs. Topical remedy for male pattern baldness. As for hydralazine. /Mso, cardiac muscle lesions, pulmonary damage, hirsutism. 

With continued use of minoxidil, over 50% of the patients show a hypertrichosis, females often a marked hirsutism (125, 127, 128 =, 129, 130 -, 131 ). CompaJints of paraesthesia are common during prolonged use. The extent, severity and frequency of occurrence of side effects with minoxidil are still unknown. 

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